I think anyone who drives has at some point made a U-turn, it may be a handy way to change direction, but if not done safely it may result in an accident or a fine it done somewhere it’s not legal to do.
So you should only make the turn where it is legal, and you have a clear view, also it should only be done when you can complete it without forcing anyone else to slow down or change course.
In Australia the road rules are broadly similar, but important details vary between states and territories. Always obey signs, traffic lights, lane arrows and line markings. Do not make a U-turn where a “No U-turn” sign applies, and do not cross dividing lines that prohibit it. At traffic lights, a U-turn may be permitted in some jurisdictions only when a sign allows it, while other jurisdictions apply different rules. Check the current road rules for the state or territory in which you are driving.
Make sure your car is position correctly. Move into the appropriate lane or as close as practicable to the centre of the road, subject to local rules, lane markings and traffic conditions.
Signal clearly indicate right for long enough to give other road users reasonable notice. Keep checking your mirrors and blind spots.
Remember you have to give way to everyone as you generally have to give way to other vehicles and road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. Wait for a genuinely safe gap.
My research says that you can only make a U-turn at a roundabout if there are signs and lane markings permit a U-turn at the roundabout. However, I have never seen any of that and have often made a U-turn at a roundabout.
Also, even if a U-turn appears legal, it may not be sensible. Use some common sense and don’t do it near blind bends or hill crests, in heavy or fast-moving traffic, near busy pedestrian areas, or whenever your vehicle cannot complete the turn comfortably.
A U-turn should be one smooth turn and not a three-point turn.
In NSW, making a U-turn at an intersection without traffic lights contrary to a “No U-turn” sign carries a current penalty-notice fine of $339 and 2 demerit points.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid
Assuming the same rule applies in every state or territory.
Starting the turn before checking for motorcycles, bicycles or pedestrians.
Relying on another driver to stop or wave you through.
Turning across prohibited line markings.
Making the manoeuvre when visibility or road width is inadequate.
oopsy –
Yeah that’s how it is at times
Excellent reminders!
Thank you
Here in California, up turns are legal unless there’s a sign posting against it.
Once it was the same here
OH—THAT “CHUCK A U-EY” SIGN IS A GASSER. DOES THAT ACTUALLY EXIST SOMEWHERE? I was going to add an editorial comment when posting on my site—-“Depends where the “wallabe”…pretty stupid eh—next you’re going to say ONE that’s an awful pun and TWO—wallabes live ib New Zealand—and the red lines tell me I’ve misspelled the poor wallabe! I know—next I’ll be facing a kangaroo court—I’d better chuck a U-ey, on outta here! 😀
Wouldn’t surprise me if that sign is somewhere outback or in the bush and of cause wallaby is spelt with a y they are native to Australia and the PNG but have been introduced to NZ, UK & Hawaii
I KNEW I WAS OFF ON SOMETHING…LIKE THE TIME I SAID SOMETHING ABOUT CERTAIN STEAM TRAINS AND A GUY SAID, THEY’RE IN NEW ZEALAND, MATE!